Take a look at this clock – looks like real tile, doesn’t it? But of course, it’s made from STYROFOAM™ Brand Foam. Designer Kathleen George explains exactly how to make your own Tuscan Tile Clock, right down to creating the warm, aged finish. Once you’re done, think how easy it will be to hang it on your wall, too.

To make a Tuscan Tile Clock:

1. Measure and mark an 8” square on your foam sheet. Wax serrated knife with a candle stub or bar of soap. Cut out the 8” square.

2. Measure and mark four equal quadrants (4” squares) on the face of the 8” square. Using the smooth edge of the knife, widen and deepen the grooves to 1/8”. Insert a sharp pencil through center of the 8” square to create a hole for the clock movement.

Use the putty knife and a pointed tool to create the texture.

3. Using the putty knife, spread an uneven layer of texture medium over entire the front and sides of the foam square – sort of like frosting a cake. A few tips:

Use the knife tip or skewer to make cracks and pits in the surface.

Vary natural “grain” of four squares slightly for added interest.

Use skewer to remove excess medium from grooves and center hole.

Let dry completely.

4. Paint the clock face ivory and let dry.

5. To “age” the finish, paint over two opposite ivory squares with thin layer of dark brown (don’t forget to paint the edges, too). Immediately wipe off the paint with a damp sponge, so only the paint in the grooves and cracks remains. Repeat with the light brown, and then with the medium brown, keeping the sponge well-rinsed between colors. For a different effect, use a soft rag to remove the paint.

By changing the paint colors, you could also create faux tiles that resembled slate tiles.

6. Paint the two remaining squares with a thin layer of dark red. Immediately remove excess paint with a damp sponge, leaving more color than on previous squares. Let dry. Repeat aging with medium brown.

7. Mix a small amount of dark brown paint with a dab of black, and thin the mix with water. Use this to paint over the grooves and enhance the deeper cracks. Let dry.

8. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, insert the clock movement.

9. Apply glue to picture hanger nails, and then insert them through the sawtooth picture hanger and into the top, center back of the clock. Let glue dry.

It’s “time” to go now, and I’ll be back later this week with two more, DIY clock tutorials.

Legal Stuff

STYROFOAM is a registered trademark of The Dow Chemical Company and used with express permission. The opinions expressed in the posts on this blog are those of the author only; opinions expressed in comments to this blog are not necessarily endorsed by the author. Any data provided is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. All rights reserved.

More Legal Stuff

In accordance with new FTC regulations, the following is a list of companies providing to me free product, discounted product or payment in exchange for promotional purposes: The Dow Chemical Company. Crafts 'n Coffee is a media property of The Dow Chemical Company.

www.StyrofoamCrafts.com

Inspired ideas for home décor, holiday fun, kids’ crafts, gifts, special occasions, and more, all made with STYROFOAM Brand Foam from Dow. Get crafty with us!

Where to Buy

STYROFOAM™ Brand Foam is sold in craft and hobby stores and retail chains nationwide in the U.S. In stores, genuine STYROFOAM™ Brand Foam is sold by FloraCraft® under the product name FloraCraft® Make It: Fun® Foam.